Cartridge cover for personal vaporizer

ABSTRACT

A cartridge is selectively usable with a personal vaporizer. The cartridge may include a chamber for holding a vaporizing medium such as a liquid solution. The cartridge may also include an atomizer that can be manufactured as a unit with the chamber. The cartridge can be attached to a vaporizer structure such as a battery assembly. A cartridge cover fits over and encloses the cartridge therewithin. The cartridge cover can employ decorative aspects that match or complement decorative aspects of the battery assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/072,351, filed Oct. 29, 2014, the entirety of which is incorporatedby reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to the field of personal vaporizers

Personal vaporizers are handheld devices that vaporize a vaporizingmedium such as a liquid solution or a wax. The vapor is then inhaled byits user. A typical personal vaporizer has an atomizer having a heatingelement that selectively heats the medium in order to produce the vapor.A rechargeable battery is also typically employed for powering theatomizer. Personal vaporizers for vaporizing liquid media typicallyinclude a fluid chamber that holds the liquid, and a wick thatcommunicates liquid from the chamber to the atomizer. The liquidsolution typically includes chemicals such as one or more of propyleneglycol, glycerin, polyethylene glycol 400, and an alcohol. Extractedflavorings can also be included in the fluid. Electronic cigarettes area type of personal vaporizer, and use a liquid solution that includestobacco-derived nicotine. Personal vaporizers also can be used withliquid solutions that include one or more of various essential oils,including cannabis oil.

Personal vaporizers are available having distinct styles and pleasingaesthetics. For example, battery assemblies and other parts of personalvaporizers can be emblazoned with high-quality patterns and materials.

Currently, disposable cartridges are available that include a liquidchamber and atomizer that are provided as a unit. The cartridge can beattached to a separately-purchased battery assembly for power. However,typically such disposable cartridges are unsightly and do not match theaesthetics of, for example, the battery assembly to which the cartridgeis attached. Also, such cartridges can be indiscrete, making it obviouswhat solution the user may be using. Further, such cartridges may beincompatible with a user's desired mouthpiece.

SUMMARY

There is a need in the art for a personal vaporizer that can accommodatea cartridge without upsetting desired aesthetics. There is a furtherneed in the art for a personal vaporizer that can accommodate acartridge yet maintain a desired mouthpiece. There is a still furtherneed in the art for a personal vaporizer that can accommodate acartridge in a manner so that the cartridge is not visible.

In accordance with one embodiment, the present specification provides apersonal vaporizer, comprising a battery assembly, a cartridge and acartridge cover. The battery assembly has a mount boss with a firstconnector and a second connector. The cartridge has a cartridgeconnector selectively engaged with the battery first connector, thecartridge having a vapor channel opening at a vapor outlet. Thecartridge cover has a cover connector selectively engaged with thebattery second connector and enclosing the cartridge so that the vaporoutlet is disposed within the cartridge cover. A preferential air flowpath is defined through the cartridge and through the vapor outlet.Resistance to air flow along the preferential air path is less thanresistance to air flow between the cartridge cover and the cartridge.

In some such embodiments, a seal is arranged between the cartridge coverand the cartridge.

In additional embodiments, the cartridge comprises a fluid chamber andan atomizer.

In some such embodiments, the atomizer and fluid chamber are integrallyformed. In additional embodiments, the fluid chamber is selectivelydetachable from the atomizer.

In further embodiments, the cartridge cover and the battery assemblyboth have the same outer diameter. In some such embodiments, thecartridge has an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of thebattery assembly. In additional embodiments, an inner diameter of thecartridge cover adjacent the cartridge is less than 1% greater than theouter diameter of the cartridge.

In yet further embodiments, the vapor outlet opens into a lumen definedwithin the cartridge cover, and additionally comprising a mouthpieceattached to the cartridge cover and communicating with the lumen. Instill further embodiments, the mouthpiece is selectively detachable fromthe cartridge cover.

In accordance with another embodiment, the present specificationprovides a cover configured to fit over a cartridge attached to abattery pack, the cartridge having an atomizer with air intake holes,the atomizer attachable to the battery pack at a distal end and beingcoupled with a fluid chamber having a mouthpiece seat and a vaporoutlet, the vapor outlet being proximal the mouthpiece seat, theatomizer configured to selectively vaporize fluid within the fluidchamber, the vaporized fluid exiting the fluid chamber via the vaporoutlet. The cover comprises an elongated body defining an internallumen. The elongated body is sized to fit concentrically over thedisposable cartridge so as to completely encase the disposable cartridgewithin the cover internal lumen. A distal end of the cover is internallythreaded so as to engage external threads on a mount boss of the batterypack. One or more holes are formed through the cover elongated bodyproximal the distal end of the cover, and are configured to communicatewith air intake holes of the atomizer. A proximal end of the cover has amouthpiece receiver configured to receive a mouthpiece. A sealingstructure is configured to create an airtight seal between the one ormore holes formed through the cover elongated body and the vapor outletof the disposable cartridge when the cover is engaged with the battery.When the cover is engaged with a cartridge the cover internal lumencomprises an intake chamber defined distal of the sealing member and anoutlet chamber defined proximal the sealing member.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the present specificationprovides a cover configured to fit over a cartridge attached to abattery assembly, the battery assembly having a mount boss having afirst connector and a second connector, the cartridge having an atomizercoupled with a fluid chamber, the atomizer attached to the batteryassembly first connector. The cover comprises an elongated body definingan internal lumen, the elongated body sized to fit concentrically overthe cartridge so as to completely encase the cartridge within the coverinternal lumen. A distal end of the cover is selectively attached to thebattery assembly second connector. A sealing structure is configured tocreate an airtight or semi-airtight seal between an internal surface ofthe cover and an external surface of the cartridge when the cover isengaged with the battery second connector. When the cover is engagedwith a cartridge, the cover internal lumen comprises an intake chamberdefined distal of the sealing member and an outlet chamber definedproximal the sealing member.

In accordance with still another embodiment, the present specificationprovides a battery assembly for a personal vaporizer, comprising anelongated casing defining an enclosed battery chamber, a mount bossproximal to the battery chamber, and a selectively closable storagechamber disposed distal of the battery chamber. A rechargeable batteryand a control circuit are enclosed within the battery chamber. The mountboss comprises a battery contact communicating electrically with thebattery. An insert container is sized to fit within the storage chamberand to be selectively removed from the storage chamber. The storagechamber is defined between an elongate portion of a battery casing walland a cap member that is selectively attachable to the battery casingwall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery assembly for use in someembodiments;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the battery assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a cartridge in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the cartridge of FIG. 3 attached to the batteryassembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a cartridge cover configured in accordance withone embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the cartridge cover of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 7A-7A of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a cartridgecover;

FIG. 8A is a side view of an embodiment of a cartridge cover beingattached to the assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8B shows the assembly of FIG. 8A with the cartridge cover depictedin cross-section and the cartridge depicted as a silhouette;

FIG. 9A shows the assembly of FIG. 8A with the cartridge cover fullyattached to the assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9B shows the assembly of FIG. 9A with the cartridge cover depictedin cross-section and the cartridge depicted as a silhouette;

FIG. 10A is a side view of another embodiment of a battery assembly; and

FIG. 10B is an exploded side view of the battery assembly of FIG. 10A.

DESCRIPTION

With initial reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a batteryassembly 20, or battery pack, for a personal vaporizer is illustrated.Certain features of the illustrated battery assembly 20 are typical ofbattery assemblies currently available on the market. For example, thebattery assembly 20 may include a rechargeable battery, such as alithium-ion battery, enclosed within a battery casing 22. The batterycasing 22 may include an elongated body 24 that extends from a base ordistal end 26 to a top or proximal end 28. An electronic controller mayalso be included within the casing 22 to control voltage, current,timing and the like. A button 29 may be provided for selectivelyactuating electricity delivery from the battery 20 to the atomizer. Insome embodiments, the button 29 can include a light that indicates whenpower is being delivered.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, at and adjacent the proximalend 28 of the battery assembly 20, the battery casing 22 defines a mountboss 30. The mount boss 30 includes connecting structures for connectingvaporizing structures, such as atomizers and fluid chambers, to thebattery. The elongated body 24 is disposed distally of the mount boss30. In some embodiments, the body 24 may include a decorative coating orsleeve that is configured to enhance the look of the vaporizer. Forexample, the body 24 may come in many different colors and/or have oneor more unique and aesthetically pleasing surface treatments. Someembodiments may include a decorative sleeve that is selectivelyremovable.

In the illustrated embodiment, the battery assembly mount boss 30comprises an externally threaded portion 32 adjacent the decorative body24. Preferably, the externally threaded portion 32 has a diametersomewhat smaller than a diameter of the decorative body 24. An extension34 extends in a proximal direction from the externally threaded portion32, preferably terminating in a top or proximal surface 36. As bestshown in FIG. 2, the extension 34 preferably is tubular, defining amount cavity 40 therewithin and having internal threads 42. Preferably,a diameter of the tubular extension 34 is less than the diameter of theexternally threaded portion 32. A battery contact 44 is disposed withinthe tubular extension 34 at the base of the mount cavity 40. As shown,preferably a plurality of air intake slots 46 are formed in theextension at and adjacent the top surface.

As noted above, one or more vaporizing structures are attachable to thebattery mount boss 30. Such vaporizing structures typically include anatomizer and a fluid chamber, which can be provided as separate piecesor combined as a single structure. The vaporizing structures can be ofvarious styles, sizes, and configurations. For example, in someembodiments, the atomizer and fluid chamber are provided as oneprefabricated cartridge. In some embodiments, such cartridges aredisposable. In some embodiments, the fluid chamber is refillable so thatthe cartridges are reusable. In other embodiments, the atomizer andfluid chamber are separately formed and selectively attachable anddetachable from one another.

Vaporizing structures can also be attached to the battery assembly 20 invarious ways. In some embodiments, an atomizer can threadingly engagethe external threads that the two of the battery mount boss 30. In otherembodiments, an atomizer may threadingly engage the internal threads ofthe mount cavity extension before. However, preferably, a pin or otherelongated contact extends into the mount cavity 40 to engage the batterycontact 44 so as to communicate power from the battery 20 to theatomizer. Additionally, additional embodiments can employ non-threadedconnection structures such as detents, friction fits, J-locks, and thelike.

With reference next to FIG. 3, one embodiment of a cartridge 50 isillustrated. Such a cartridge 50 can be obtained from PenVape, and issold under the trademark Indica. The illustrated cartridge 50 comprisesan elongated cartridge body 52 that extends from a distal or battery end54 to a top or proximal end 56. The body 52 includes a fluid chamber 60configured to hold a vaporizing medium such as a liquid solutioncomprising essential oils. The illustrated chamber 60 is made of apolymer material that is preferably at least partially transparent sothat a user can see the level of essential oils remaining within thefluid chamber 60. An atomizer 70 is provided at and adjacent the distalend for, which atomizer 70 is operatively connected to the fluid chamber60. In the illustrated embodiment, the atomizer 70 comprises a coil (notshown) constructed of a durable, electrically-conductive material, suchas titanium or another metal, which material generates heat whensubjected to an electric current. A vaporization chamber is definedbetween the fluid chamber 60 and the atomizer coil. In some embodiments,a wick communicates liquid from the fluid chamber 60 to the vaporizationchamber. Preferably, an elongated vapor passage 72 is formed adjacentthe fluid chamber 60 and extends from the vaporization chamber to avapor outlet 74 that is formed proximal of the fluid chamber 60.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the illustrated atomizer 70 includesa battery connector pin 76 extending distally from a terminal surface 78of the atomizer 70. The illustrated battery connector pin 76 isexternally threaded. Air intake holes (not shown) are formed through theterminal surface 78. During use, air is drawn through the air intakeholes and through the atomizer 70 into the vaporization chamber, whereit is mixed with atomized fluid to form a vapor. The vapor exits thevaporization chamber through the vapor channel 72 and is exhaustedthrough the vapor outlet 74.

The proximal end 56 of the cartridge 50 includes a mouthpiece engagementportion 80 that has a reduced diameter relative to a diameter of theelongated body 52 in the chamber 60 and/or atomizer 70 portions. In theillustrated embodiment, the vapor outlet 74 opens within this mouthpieceengagement portion 80. In the illustrated embodiment, a recessed portion82 of the outer wall in the mouthpiece engagement portion 80 isprovided, and the vapor outlet 74 is formed adjacent the recessedportion 82. As such, the vapor outlet 74 is directly aligned with theflow path of vapor moving through the vapor channel 72.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 3, a mouthpiece seat 84 is defined onthe cartridge 50. At the mouthpiece seat 84, the diameter of thecartridge 50 abruptly changes from that of the chamber 60 to that of themouthpiece engagement portion 80. A mouthpiece 90 can be placed atop thecartridge 50. The mouthpiece 90 preferably includes an elongated tubularbody 92 defining a lumen, and extends from a base 94 to an outlet end96. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 94 of the mouthpiece 90 fitsover the mouthpiece engagement portion 80 of the cartridge 50, and thebase 94 of the mouthpiece 90 engages and rests upon the mouthpiece seat84 of the cartridge 50.

In the illustrated embodiment, a removable fill cap 98 is disposed atthe proximal/mouthpiece end 56 of the cartridge 50. The removable fillcap 90 can be removed so as to provide access to the fluid chamber 50 sothat liquid or flavorings can be selectively added to the chamber.

With additional reference to FIG. 4, the cartridge 50 can be mounted toa typical battery assembly 20. In the illustrated embodiment, theexternally-threaded battery connector pin 76 is advanced into thebattery mount cavity 40 and threaded with the internal threads 42 of thebattery mount boss extension 34. The cartridge 50 is threadinglyadvanced so that the battery connector pin 76 engages the batteryconnector 44 of the battery assembly 20, and the terminal surface 78 ofthe atomizer 70 engages and sits upon the top surface 36 of the batterymount boss 30. The air intake slots 46 of the mount boss 30 enable thecartridge's air intake holes to communicate with the surroundingatmosphere.

In use, the user inserts the mouthpiece 90 into his mouth, presses thebattery button 29, and draws a breath. Pressing the button 29 triggersthe atomizer 70 to heat liquid provided to the vaporization chamber fromthe fluid chamber 60, thereby vaporizing the liquid in the vaporizingchamber. By drawing a breath through the mouthpiece 90, the user pullsair through the air intake slots 46 of the battery mount boss extension34 into the mount cavity 40 and through the air intake holes of thecartridge atomizer 70. The air further flows into the vaporizationchamber and is mixed with the vaporized liquid, forming a vapor. Thevapor then flows through the vapor channel 72 and through the vaporoutlet 74 into the mouthpiece 90, which directs it into the user's mouthand lungs.

Although the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 4 functions adequately, someusers find it aesthetically displeasing and indiscrete. For example, itis common for battery casings 22 to have decorative exterior surfacetreatments. However, in the illustrated configuration, when fullyconnected and operable, the undecorated cartridge 50 may visually clashwith the stylish battery casing 22. This can cause displeasure for someusers.

With additional reference to FIGS. 5-7A, one embodiment of a cartridgecover 100 is shown. The illustrated cover 100 is configured to slidablyfit over the cartridge 50 and attach to the battery mount boss 30 so asto hide the cartridge 50 from view. Also, the cover 100 can be noconfigured with a decorative outer surface or fitted with a decorativesleeve so that, when assembled, the personal vaporizer is aestheticallypleasing. Also, the cover 100 hides the cartridge 50 from direct view,and is therefore more discrete.

The illustrated cover 100 comprises an elongated tubular body 102 thatis elongate along an axis 104 and has a distal or connection end 106 anda proximal or mouthpiece end 108. As shown in FIG. 7A, internal threads110 are disposed adjacent the distal end 106 of the cover 100. Withadditional reference to FIGS. 8-9, the cover 100 can be slipped over thecartridge 50 so that the internal threads 110 of the cover 100threadingly engage the outer threads 32 of the battery mount boss 30.Thus, the cover 100 can be attached to the battery 20, enclosing thecartridge 50, and providing an aesthetically pleasing and discretepersonal vaporizing device.

With reference again to FIGS. 5-7A, in the illustrated embodiment, thetubular lumen 112 of the cover is divided into a plurality of lumenportions, each potentially having a different diameter. For example, aconnector lumen portion 114 is disposed adjacent the distal end 106. Asnoted above, internal threads 110 are provided as part of the connectorlumen 114. The connector lumen 114 extends from the distal end 106 ofthe cover 100 to a distal offset surface 116 that extends inwardlytransversely to an axis 104 of the tubular cover 100. Preferably, aplurality of side holes 120 are formed through a wall of the cover 100in the connector lumen portion 114.

An elongated body lumen 122 portion extends from the distal offsetsurface 116 to a sealing seat surface 124, which is defined by an offsetsurface extending transversely toward the cover axis 104. In a preferredembodiment, a diameter of the body lumen portion 122 is less than theconnector lumen portion diameter, and approximates a diameter of thecartridge body 52. More precisely, preferably the diameter of the bodylumen portion 122 is selected such that the body lumen 122 can be slidover the cartridge elongated body but preferably there is very little,if any, space between the cartridge and embodiment surface. Preferablythe body lumen diameter is about 5% greater than the cartridge diameter.More preferably the body lumen diameter is less than about 3% greaterthan the cartridge diameter. Still more preferably the body lumendiameter is less than about 1% greater than the cartridge diameter.

Continuing with specific reference to FIG. 7A, the sealing seat 124extends transversely toward the axis 104. A neck lumen portion 126extends proximally from the sealing seat 124 to a cover mouthpiece seat130, which cover mouthpiece seat 130 extends transversely away from thecover axis 104. A mouthpiece receiver lumen portion 132 extends from thecover mouthpiece seat 130 to the proximal end 108 of the cover 100. Asshown in this embodiment, the body lumen portion 122 has a diameter lessthan that of the connector lumen portion 114, and the neck lumen portion126 has a diameter less than that of both the body lumen portion 122 andthe mouthpiece receiver lumen portion 132. Preferably, the mouthpiecereceiver lumen portion 132 has a diameter approximating an outerdiameter of a standard-sized mouthpiece, which mouthpiece preferablyincludes a tubular body. In the illustrated embodiment, the mouthpiecereceiver lumen diameter is greater than the neck lumen diameter but lessthan the body lumen diameter. In additional embodiments, the mouthpiecereceiver lumen diameter can be about the same as the body lumen diameteror, in further embodiments, greater than the body lumen diameter. Themouthpiece 90 discussed above in connection with FIG. 4 preferably canbe inserted into the mouthpiece receiver lumen 132 and advanced untilthe base 94 of the mouthpiece engages the cover mouthpiece seat 130.Other mouthpiece embodiments (see, for example, FIG. 9) can also beconfigured to fit in the mouthpiece receiver lumen 132. In otherembodiments, a mouthpiece can be incorporated into the cover rather thanbeing formed separately. Such embodiments thus may not include amouthpiece receiver lumen, but may include a mouthpiece lumen that may,in some embodiments, be contiguous with the neck portion lumen.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7A, a decorative sleeve 134 isprovided over the body 102. As such, an outer diameter of the body 102is reduced in order to accommodate the decorative sleeve. In theillustrated embodiment, the decorative sleeve 134 does not extend alongthe entire length of the body 102. In other embodiments, however, thedecorative sleeve can extend along the entire length of the body.Preferably, the decorative sleeve 134 matches or complements thedecorative pattern of the battery assembly 20, which also may include adecorative sleeve. Notably, the cover 100 embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8and 9 does not employ a decorative sleeve, but the inner structure ofthese embodiments is substantially similar to that depicted in FIG. 7A.

With particular reference next to FIGS. 4 and 8-9, in use, the cartridge50 is first assembled onto the battery 20 as depicted in FIG. 4. Thecover 100 is then slipped over the cartridge 50 so that the internalthreads 110 of the cover 100 engage the external 32 threads of thebattery mount boss 30, as depicted in FIG. 8A. FIG. 8B shows FIG. 8A,but with the cover 100 shown in cross-section and the cartridge 50 shownas a silhouette. The cover 100 is rotated so as to threadingly engagethe cover 100 and battery mount boss 30, and simultaneously advance thecover over the cartridge until the cover is fully advanced onto thebattery mount boss as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

Preferably, the dimensions of the cover 100 are selected so that whenthe cover 100 is fully advanced onto the battery mount boss 30, thecover sealing seat surface 124 engages the cartridge mouthpiece seat 84.Most preferably, the cover sealing seat 124 engages the cartridgemouthpiece seat 84 with sufficient force to create an airtight orsemi-airtight seal. Similarly, as depicted in FIG. 9B, preferably thedistal offset surface 116 is aligned at or near the interface betweenthe cartridge 50 and the battery mount boss 30. As such, an intakechamber 140 is formed within the connector lumen 114 around the airintake slots 46. The cover side holes 120 are positioned to open intothe intake chamber 140. Thus, an air intake path is defined from theenvironment through the cover side holes 120 into the intake chamber140, then through the battery air intake slots 46 and further throughintake holes of the cartridge 50.

With continued reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the cartridge vapor outlet 74is disposed within the neck lumen portion 126 of the cover 100 on a sideof the sealing seat 124 generally opposite the intake chamber 140. Assuch, in embodiments in which the cover sealing seat 124 and cartridgemouthpiece seat 84 engage with an airtight seal, when a user draws abreath through the mouthpiece 138, air will not flow between the coverlumen surface and the cartridge outer surface. Instead, air will bedrawn from outside the device, through the cover side holes 120 into theintake chamber 140, through the intake slots 46 and into the air intakesof the cartridge 50, through the cartridge 50 and vaporization chamberand out of the vapor outlet 74 into the cover neck lumen 126 and furtherinto the mouthpiece 138 and into the user's mouth and lungs. Inembodiments in which the engagement of the sealing seat 124 with themouthpiece seat 84 is only semi-airtight, there will be more resistanceto airflow between the cartridge outer surface and the cover thanthrough the cartridge 50 via the vaporization chamber. Thus, air willpreferentially flow through the cartridge 50 via the vaporizationchamber, and as a user draws a breath, little if any intake air willflow between the cover and the cartridge outer surface.

As noted above, preferably the diameter of the body lumen 122 isselected to approximate the outer diameter of the cartridge body 52.Such a relatively tight fit provides further resistance to airflowbetween the body lumen surface and the cartridge outer body. Thus, thistight fit helps reduce any air pressure being at the airtight orsemi-airtight seal, and acts as a seal pressure reduction structure.

With particular reference to FIG. 9B, a separately-formed mouthpiece 138can be placed in the mouthpiece receiver lumen 132 of the cover 100.Preferably, a base of the mouthpiece 138 engages the cover mouthpieceseat 130 so that the cartridge vapor outlet 74 is aligned with themouthpiece lumen. It is to be understood that various styles ofmouthpieces can be employed. In the illustrated embodiment, themouthpiece 138 is held in place by a friction fit. Other embodiments mayemploy various structures, such as a detent, J-lock, or the like. Instill further embodiments, the mouthpiece receiver lumen and themouthpiece may be threaded. As discussed above, in yet furtherembodiments, the mouthpiece may be integrally formed as part of thecover.

In some embodiments the cover 100 has an outer diameter that is the sameas the outer diameter of the battery assembly 20. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 9, the cover has an outer diameter that is the sameas the outer diameter of most of the battery assembly, but the batteryassembly has a portion with a slightly smaller outer diameter. It is tobe understood that the cover can be shaped to correspond with theslightly smaller outer diameter, or in any other manner as desired.

In some embodiments, the battery, associated cover and, optionally, amouthpiece can be sold as a kit, with at least the battery and coversharing a common decorative aesthetic theme. One or more cartridges canbe included in the kit and/or can be sold separately.

With reference next to FIG. 7B, a schematic depiction of another cover100 embodiment in cross-section shows potential additional oralternative features, one or more of which can be used in additionalembodiments. For example, the cover 100 embodiment illustrated in FIG.7A employs relatively precise machining to obtain an airtight sealwithout using an elastomeric member such as an O-ring or another sealingstructure. FIG. 7B, however, depicts some embodiments of options fordifferent sealing structures. For example, in one embodiment, anelastomer such as an O-ring 142 can be provided adjacent the coversealing seat 124 so that when the cover 100 is engaged about thecartridge 50, the O-ring 142 engages the cartridge mouthpiece seat 84 soas to create an airtight seal between the cartridge 50 and the cover100. In another embodiment, rather than an O-ring, the cover sealingseat (and/or cartridge mouthpiece seat) can be coated with anelastomeric and/or seal-inducing material.

FIG. 7B also shows optional placements of additional O-rings 144 thatcan be employed in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the bodylumen 122 may or may not be sized to fit relatively tightly about thecartridge body 52, and one or more O-ring seats 146 can be formed in theinner surface 148 of the cover body 122. One or more O-rings 144 can sitin such seats 146 and are configured to engage the outer surface of thecartridge 50 when the cover 100 is installed over the cartridge 50 so asto create an airtight seal.

With continued reference to FIG. 7B, in additional embodiments, thecover side holes 150 need not all be aligned at the same position alongthe length of the elongated cover 100. Also, in some embodiments airintake slots 152 can be formed in the distal end 106 of the cover 100 tofacilitate air intake. It is envisioned that still further methods andstructures for providing an appropriate seal, mount and air intake canbe employed.

The embodiments discussed above have employed a cartridge 50 in whichthe fluid chamber 60 and atomizer 70 are combined in a single unit andare detachable from the rest of the personal vaporizer. It is to beunderstood that the principles discussed herein can be employed usingcartridges having different configurations. For example, in anotherembodiment, a fluid chamber and atomizer can be separately formed andselectively attachable to one another, but each may have a small enoughdiameter so that the cover fits over the pair when assembled. Inadditional embodiments, only the fluid chamber has a small enoughdiameter for the cover to fit over it, and the atomizer has an outerdiameter about the same as the battery assembly and cover. In such anembodiment, the atomizer may have a connector for attaching to thecover, as well as a connector for attaching to the fluid chamber, andthe fluid chamber would be enclosed within the cover. Broadly speaking,a cartridge as discussed herein can comprise a part of a vaporizer (suchas a fluid chamber, vapor exit channel, or atomizer, taken alone orcombined with one another as a unit) that can be enclosed within anembodiment of a cover. In still further embodiments, the cartridge cancomprise additional structures. For example, rather than a vaporizingmedium chamber being a fluid chamber, the cartridge can comprise achamber configured for holding a wax vaporizing medium, as well ashaving a vapor outlet channel. In such an embodiment, the atomizer mayinclude a bowl for holding such wax for vaporizing. The cover, then, canfit over the vaporizing medium chamber and attach to the atomizer, ormay fit over both the atomizer and the chamber.

With reference next to FIGS. 10A-10B, additional embodiments of batterycasings 160 can include a storage compartment 162. The storagecompartment 162 preferably is incorporated into the base 164 of thebattery casing 160, and comprises a base connector 166 having anelongated side wall, and a cap 170 selectively connectable to the baseconnector 166. In the illustrated embodiment, the base connector 166includes external threads 172, and the cap 170 has internal threads 174that can engage the base connector threads 172 to close the storagecompartment 162. A storage cavity is defined between the elongated sidewall, an upper wall in the battery casing 160, and a base wall in thecap 170.

In a preferred embodiment, a container 180 or liner is sized andconfigured to fit within the storage cavity 162. Preferably, thecontainer 180 includes a cap 182 so that the container 180 can besealingly closed. For example, the side walls of the storage cavity 162can be smooth, and the external diameter of the container 180 can besized to fit complementarily within the storage cavity withoutsubstantial play between the container and the side walls. As such,rattling of the container within the storage cavity during use of thedevice can be limited or eliminated. In another embodiment, one or moreelastomers and/or foam members are attached to one or more, or all, ofthe side wall, base wall and upper wall. As such, even if the containeris substantially different in size than the storage cavity, the memberswill help hold the container securely within the storage cavity, therebyminimizing or eliminating rattle.

In a preferred embodiment the container is transparent and configured tocarry a fluid, such as a replacement fluid that can be loaded into thecartridge fluid chamber. In other embodiments the container can includea concentrated flavor liquid that the user may use to enhance the flavorof the vapor. In still another embodiment, the container may be amulti-chamber container that includes multiple ingredients that may beselectively added to the fluid in the chamber. For example, thecontainer can have two, three or more chambers, with each chamberincluding concentrated flavor liquid that can be added to the vaporizingsolution. In yet additional embodiments, the storage compartment may notinclude a removable container, but may directly enclose material, suchas fluids for use with the device. In such embodiments, a sealing membersuch as an o-ring can be arranged on one of the cap and base connectorso that fluid is prevented from leaking from the storage compartment.

The embodiments discussed above have disclosed structures withsubstantial specificity. This has provided a good context for disclosingand discussing inventive subject matter. However, it is to be understoodthat other embodiments may employ different specific structural shapesand interactions. For example, the vaporizer embodiments discussedherein are generally cylindrical. It is to be understood that otherembodiments may employ principles discussed herein in connection withvaporizers having different shapes.

Although inventive subject matter has been disclosed in the context ofcertain preferred or illustrated embodiments and examples, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that the inventive subject matterextends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to otheralternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obviousmodifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number ofvariations of the disclosed embodiments have been shown and described indetail, other modifications, which are within the scope of the inventivesubject matter, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the artbased upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that variouscombinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects ofthe disclosed embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope ofthe inventive subject matter. Accordingly, it should be understood thatvarious features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can becombined with or substituted for one another in order to form varyingmodes of the disclosed inventive subject matter. Thus, it is intendedthat the scope of the inventive subject matter herein disclosed shouldnot be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above,but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims thatfollow.

1-13. (canceled)
 14. A method, comprising: attaching a cartridge to abattery assembly, comprising connecting a cartridge connector to a firstconnector of the battery assembly, the cartridge having an atomizercoupled with a fluid chamber, and a cartridge outer wall that enclosesthe fluid chamber and an elongated vapor passage that extends from theatomizer to a proximal opening; advancing a cover having a cover lumenover the cartridge so that at least the fluid chamber and atomizer areenclosed in the cover lumen; engaging a distal connector of the coverwith a second connector of the battery assembly.
 15. The method as inclaim 14, wherein engaging the distal connector of the cover with thesecond connector of the battery assembly comprises threadingly advancingthe distal connector over the second connector.
 16. The method as inclaim 14, wherein a proximal end of the cover is positioned proximal ofthe vapor passage proximal opening when the distal connector of thecover is engaged with the second connector of the battery assembly sothat the vapor passage proximal opening opens into the cover lumen. 17.The method as in claim 16, comprising removing a mouthpiece from aproximal end of the cartridge before advancing the cover over thecartridge.
 18. The method as in claim 17, comprising placing themouthpiece into a mouthpiece seat of the cover so that the cover lumencommunicates with the mouthpiece.
 19. The method as in claim 17,comprising placing a second mouthpiece into a mouthpiece seat of thecover so that the cover lumen communicates with the second mouthpiece.20. The method as in claim 16, wherein the cartridge has at least oneintake hole communicating with the atomizer, and a cartridge flow pathis defined from the intake hole through the atomizer and vapor passageand out the proximal opening.
 21. The method as in claim 20, wherein thecover has at least one side hole, and wherein a second flow path extendsfrom the at least one side hole proximally between the cartridge outerwall and an inner surface of the cover.
 22. The method as in claim 21,wherein the second flow path is more resistant to air flow therethroughthan is the cartridge flow path so that air flows preferentially throughthe cartridge flow path.
 23. The method as in claim 22, wherein an innerdiameter of the cover is less than 3% greater than an outer diameter ofthe cartridge outer wall.
 24. The method as in claim 20, wherein anintake chamber is defined between the cartridge and the at least oneside hole of the cover when the distal connector of the cover is engagedwith the second connector of the battery assembly, and wherein the atleast one intake hole communicates with the intake chamber.
 25. Themethod as in claim 24, comprising engaging a seal between the cartridgeouter wall and an inner surface of the cover when advancing the coverover the cartridge, the seal inhibiting air flow between the cartridgeouter wall and the inner surface of the cover.
 26. A method, comprising:attaching a cartridge to a battery assembly, comprising connecting acartridge distal connector to a first connector of the battery assembly,the cartridge having an atomizer communicating with a vaporizing mediumchamber, a cartridge outer wall enclosing the vaporizing medium chamberand an elongated vapor passage that extends from the atomizer to aproximal opening; advancing a cover having a cover lumen over thecartridge so that at least the vaporizing medium chamber is enclosed inthe cover lumen and the vapor passage proximal opening opens into thecover lumen, the cover lumen having a proximal outlet; connecting adistal connector of the cover to one of a connector of the atomizer anda second connector of the battery assembly.
 27. The method as in claim26, wherein the vaporizing medium chamber is configured to hold a waxvaporizing medium.
 28. The method as in claim 26, wherein the coverlumen has a body portion having a first diameter and a neck portionhaving a second diameter less than the first diameter, the neck portionbeing proximal of the body portion, and wherein the second diameter isless than an outer diameter of the cartridge proximal of the vaporpassage proximal opening.
 29. The method as in claim 28, wherein thecover lumen has a mouthpiece portion having a third diameter greaterthan the second diameter, the mouthpiece portion being proximal of theneck portion, and additionally comprising advancing a mouthpiece intothe mouthpiece portion so that the vapor passage proximal openingcommunicates with a mouthpiece passage of the mouthpiece.
 30. The methodas in claim 29, comprising advancing the mouthpiece into the mouthpieceportion until the mouthpiece engages a mouthpiece seat defined betweenthe neck portion and mouthpiece portion.